Sir Rod Stewart paid an emotional tribute to Ukraine during his concert at the OVO Hydro. Images of the war-torn country were shown on a huge screen at the back of the stage as the star sang Rhythm of My Heart during his two-hour set.
The singer signalled the tribute by appearing on stage with a blue shirt and yellow jacket, the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Sir Rod, who has rented and furnished a home for a family of seven Ukrainian refugees, also read out the names of refugees.
At the end of the song, Sir Rod turned to the screen to salute an image of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, saying: “What a guy.”
Before kicking off a string of UK arena dates last month, Rod said that he planned to address the conflict in Ukraine as part of the tour, dedicating shows to the besieged country and its brave people. The 77-year-old said that he wanted to use his “power” as a knight to help others.
He also previously hired three trucks filled with supplies for refugees and had them driven to Ukraine. He then used the same vehicles to transport 16 people back to safety in Berlin.
He said: “The bombing of innocent children, the bombing of hospitals and playgrounds. Like everyone else, we were completely beside ourselves. I don’t wish that on anyone. This is evil, pure evil.”
Since the start of Russia’s invasion on February 24, about 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers and more than 6500 civilians have been killed, including 400 kids.
Rebuilding Ukraine following the devastation caused will cost an estimated $1trillion, according to Kyiv authorities, and the amount keeps spiralling upwards.
Dad-of-eight Rod recently revealed he is retiring from touring after this year because he misses his family too much when he’s away.
Before Saturday’s show, Rod, whose dad Robert came from Leith, said he couldn’t wait to play Glasgow’s Hydro. He added: “I’m always keen to impress in Glasgow as it’s like my second home.”
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